How To Make Pumpkin Puree

During the Fall there are few things better than pumpkin infused treats like pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins and pumpkin cookies. Probably the least understood part of making these treats is getting the pumpkin purée out of the pumpkin. There are lots of different ways to make pumpkin purée. Some methods use boiling pumpkin chunks in water, others use baking the pumpkin in the oven. Still other methods detail using the microwave. Each method has it's pros and cons. Read on to find out how to select the best pumpkin and recommended steps for making good quality pumpkin purée.

Pie Pumpkins

Look for a pumpkin variety called pie pumpkin, also known as sugar pumpkin. These pumpkins can be as small as grapefruits and as large as cantaloupes. Pie pumpkins are smaller and sweeter than their jack'o lantern cousins. Great pumpkin purée comes from great pumpkins. Select the best quality pumpkin by opting for locally grown organic ones. This ensures that your pumpkin will be fresh and won't contain any chemicals that could negatively effect it's flavor. Also look for pie pumpkins are heavy for their size. Make sure there are no soft spots and inspect the orange skin to ensure it isn't broken in any areas. Pumpkins can be stored in a cool dark place for up to two months.

Once you've selected your perfect pumpkin, wash the skin with a sponge and soapy water. This will keep any bacteria present on the skin from getting into the pumpkin when you slice through it.

Preparing your Pumpkin

Among the varying methods of preparing pumpkin purée, all involve subjecting the pumpkin to heat for a specified amount of time so the it's flesh softens. Once the flesh is soft it's easily scraped off the skin and puréed in a food processor or blender.

Depending on the size, your pie pumpkin will yield 2 to 4 cups of purée. The method I use prepares pumpkin purée that is low in moisture so it's a drop in replacement for the dense canned purée available at your local health food store.

1) Remove the pumpkin stem

Preheat your oven to 350F (177F). Using a paring knife, slice around the perimeter of the stem and pull it out.

2) Slice the pumpkin and place it in a baking dish

Slice your pumpkin into four quarters. Then slice those quarters in half lengthwise to make eight slices. Using a metal spoon, scrape away the stringy pieces and seeds away until the flesh is exposed. You might want to save your seeds and make roasted pumpkin seeds later. Lightly oil an 9 inch x 13 inch square baking dish and place the pumpkin slices inside so they're facing up. Cover the baking dish with tin foil and poke about six small holes in the foil with a sharp knife so steam can escape.

3) Bake the pumpkin

Bake the pumpkin in the oven on the middle rack for 1 ½ hours.

4) Allow the pumpkin to cool and process

Remove the tin foil and allow the pumpkin quarters to cool for about fifteen minutes or until they're cool enough to handle. Scoop the pumpkin flesh away from the skin using a metal spoon and place the flesh into a food processor. A blender works well too but a food processor is recommended. Process for about three minutes.

5) Strain the water from the pumpkin purée

This step drains off the excess water in in the purée. If you're making a soup or stew this step isn't necessary but if you're making a baked item this step is crucial. This is because the purée is too watery to be used as a drop-in replacement for the canned version unless the excess water is drained off.

Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or plate. Pour your purée onto the cheesecloth and let it sit overnight, or up to 10 hours. Do not let the purée sit like this for any more than 10 hours or else it may start to harbor harmful bacteria.

6) Store or use the pumpkin purée

Scrape the purée out of the cheesecloth, transfer it to an airtight covered container and store it in the refrigerator until needed. The purée will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week or be frozen for up to one year.

I'm Much Too Lazy

Mattie: I can tell you used to own a bakery. You're so perfect. I, on the other hand am incredibly lazy. I roast my small, sweet pumpkins in one of two ways. Cut off the top as you suggested and put one or two in a crockpot with a couple of inches of water and walk away for a few hours. Remove, cut in half, scoop out the innerds, then scoop the meat from the shell. This is a bit messy and the pumpkin is moist and not caramelized.
A better way is to take a baking dish, line with parchment paper and two inches of water. Remove, or not, I don't the stem. Lightly grease with coconut oil, punch a couple of holes in the top third with a knife and bake at 350 until soft. It takes longer but it's sooo much easier. They scoop out easier than the crock pot method, the flesh is firmer and has a better flavor.
You can do this at night when doing other things and refrigerate until you're ready for them. Besides I don't trust myself with a sharp knife!

Owner's reply

Great methods laurelvb! I like how they're nice and simple.

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On Veganbaking.net I show you the hows and whys of vegan baking. Thanks for reading! -Mattie

Latest Comments

"Organic sugar is not supposed to be made with bone char (See: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue4/2007_issue4_sugar.php). Bone char is not considered organic, therefore organic sugar cannot be made with it. Now, sugar not labeled organic would not be considered vegan unless otherwise labeled."

"This turned out perfect, even though I thought I messed up the cashew cream and there was no hope! I only have one saucepan, so I figure I could microwave the cashew cream to heat it up, and it nearly solidified (side note: it would make a delicious warm whipped topping!). But I added it to my caramel anyways and it melted right down and turned out beautifully. I'll be making this again many times.
Also, I didn't leave myself enough time to pre-soak cashews, so I went straight to the simmering step with my raw cashews, and it worked just fine."

"Thank you so much for this recipe! I make and sell baked goods. I wanted to make my own vegan butter, as the store closest to me doesn't carry it and I thought it may be cheaper to make. To be honest, I thought it'd be fun to say I made the vegan butter myself as well :) I used the vegan butter in a chocolate frosting and it turned out amazing! I even like this frosting more than the non-vegan ones. I wish I could post a photo here. It was so light and fluffy. Even after 4 days , the frosting was still holding it's shape and very tasty! As for a few people on here mentioning a strong vinegar smell... I didn't get that. Are you sure that you put the right amount of vinegar..."

Latest Comments

"Organic sugar is not supposed to be made with bone char (See: http://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2007issue4/2007_issue4_sugar.php). Bone char is not considered organic, therefore organic sugar cannot be made with it. Now, sugar not labeled organic would not be considered vegan unless otherwise labeled."

"This turned out perfect, even though I thought I messed up the cashew cream and there was no hope! I only have one saucepan, so I figure I could microwave the cashew cream to heat it up, and it nearly solidified (side note: it would make a delicious warm whipped topping!). But I added it to my caramel anyways and it melted right down and turned out beautifully. I'll be making this again many times.
Also, I didn't leave myself enough time to pre-soak cashews, so I went straight to the simmering step with my raw cashews, and it worked just fine."

"Thank you so much for this recipe! I make and sell baked goods. I wanted to make my own vegan butter, as the store closest to me doesn't carry it and I thought it may be cheaper to make. To be honest, I thought it'd be fun to say I made the vegan butter myself as well :) I used the vegan butter in a chocolate frosting and it turned out amazing! I even like this frosting more than the non-vegan ones. I wish I could post a photo here. It was so light and fluffy. Even after 4 days , the frosting was still holding it's shape and very tasty! As for a few people on here mentioning a strong vinegar smell... I didn't get that. Are you sure that you put the right amount of vinegar..."

The 1st of October is Vegan Baking Day. A day to spread vegan baking by sharing tasty eats with your community!

The 1st of October is Vegan Baking Day. A day to spread vegan baking by sharing tasty eats with your community!